Under the guidance of the Academic Structure Task Force (ASTF), ETSU began implementing its multi-stage plan for academic restructuring in June 2024, ahead of the fall semester. The plan is designed to help ETSU be more effective and provide higher quality education.

Many of the changes involve reorganizing the colleges and the schools/departments in them. Colleges that will experience changes are the College of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, College of Business and Technology, College of Arts and Sciences, Clemmer College of Education and Human Development, Office of Provost and Office of Vice Provost for Research.

One of the ASTF’s main goals is to maintain a smooth transition during this process. This will not affect admissions processes, diplomas/degree names or student’s ability to complete programs that they are currently enrolled in.

There are currently no plans to add or remove programs or majors as well as no changes to the general education.

There will be no changes to the College of Nursing, Gatton College of Pharmacy, Quillen College of Medicine or Honors College.

Photo of Dr. Kimberly McCorkle. (Contributed/ETSU)

The plan was developed “to examine the academic structure of ETSU’s colleges and ensure we continue to create clear and seamless pathways toward degree completion, provide holistic support for our students, and align with the goals in the university’s strategic plan,” according to the Report of the Academic Structure Task Force which was submitted in January 2024.

The last time a widespread change of university structure occurred was 1978 with the most recent assessment of the structure being in 2002. After four decades without changes, President Dr. Brian Noland and Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly McCorkle formed the ASTF in spring 2023.

The ASTF began working with constituency groups and convening in over 100 meetings through fall 2023. On Dec. 6, 2023, the ASTF shared its findings and initial plans during a town hall. During early January 2024, Provost McCorkle and President Noland received the final report of the Task Force and by the end of the month it was made public for the campus to view.

Photo of Dr. Brian Noland speaking. (Contributed/ETSU)

Through March, April and May the Task Force, Provost McCorkle and President Noland worked on and presented the final proposal of the plan to several university governing bodies for approval, finally getting total approval in late May.

For more information on the academic restructuring visit https://www.etsu.edu/provost/academic-structure-task-force.php#proposed-structure.

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